The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced a $50,000 workforce enhancement grant for Bismarck State College. The grant will help the Agriculture Industry and Technology program and the Farm and Ranch Management programs purchase additional precision agricultural equipment and software, develop curriculum, and provide training for faculty.

Precision agriculture is a farm management concept based on observing and responding to intra-field variations. Precision agriculture relies on new technologies such as satellite imagery, information technology and geospatial tools to enhance farming practices.

"The workforce enhancement grants help increase the capacity of our higher education institutions like BSC to provide a consistent stream of qualified workers educated right here in North Dakota," Department of Commerce Commissioner Al Anderson said. "The partnership of industry, education, and state and local governments is needed to meet the developing workforce needs of North Dakota."

Workforce enhancement grants enable two-year colleges to apply for funds to help create or enhance training programs that address workforce needs of North Dakota's private-sector employers. Projects require a dollar-for-dollar match of all state money with private funds.

Grant funding may be used for curriculum development, equipment, recruiting participants, and training and certifying instructors. Funds may not be used to supplant funding for current operations.

The Workforce Enhancement Council reviews all proposals and provides funding recommendations to the commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Commerce. The council consists of the private-sector membership of the North Dakota Workforce Development Council, the state director of the Department of Career & Technical Education, and the division director of the Workforce Development Division of the North Dakota Department of Commerce, who serves as the chair.

About Bismarck State CollegeBismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities. For more information visit www.bismarckstate.edu.